Snow clearing for lodges, car parks and businesses

Ski lodges and accommodation providers, cafes and shops, body corporates, and sometimes clubs or local organisations in alpine towns.

Seasonal contracts, usually a retainer plus a per-callout rate after snowfalls. Larger sites mean fewer, bigger jobs and more reliable income during the season.

• Confident vehicle and machinery operation
• Early starts and quick response after snowfall
• Basic equipment maintenance
• Quoting and managing contracts

• Public liability insurance with enough cover for commercial sites, plus vehicle and equipment insurance
• Check whether operating in an alpine resort area needs approved contractor status, site inductions or permits
• Check with your state's workplace safety regulator about training or tickets for the machinery you plan to use
• Workers compensation insurance is needed once you hire help, so check your state scheme
• Equipment can be costly and breakdowns in heavy snow are a real risk, so have a backup plan
• Income depends on snowfall and season length, so avoid taking on debt you can't cover in a poor year

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on whether you use a ute with a snow blade or a skid steer with a snow bucket. Budget for insurance, equipment and a backup plan for breakdowns.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the contracts you win, snowfall and season length. Income can vary a lot between seasons, so avoid taking on debt you couldn't cover in a poor year.

Check public liability cover that suits commercial sites, plus vehicle and equipment insurance. Also check whether alpine resort areas need approved contractor status, inductions or permits, and ask your state's workplace safety regulator about training or tickets for your machinery.